Undergraduate
French & Canadian Studies
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- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
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- Peterborough
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Indigenous Studies & Canadian Studies
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RFU - Peterborough
- Notice
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
In Trent's renowned School for the Study of Canada, explore the country's diverse cultures, histories and languages, focused on bilingual examinations of Canadian and Francophone experiences, with opportunities to study abroad in French-speaking nations.
Deepen your understanding of Canada through a program that examines English- and French-language cultures and experiences through interdisciplinary perspectives. Strengthen your ability to analyze complex questions of identity, belonging and nationhood while learning from award-winning experts across languages and communities, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with Canada’s place at home and around the world.
- Study alongside leading scholars in French Studies, including award-winning authors and translators, including a Governor General’s Literary Award winner
- Develop advanced bilingual writing, speaking and reading skills that prepare you for careers in education, government, cultural organizations, and communications
- Participate in Indigenous, Francophone and multicultural experiences, examining how language, history and culture shape Canadian identities.
- Gain hands-on experience through community-based research, with opportunities to contribute to public-facing cultural initiatives.
Program Possibilites
Add an Option to your French & Canadian Studies degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Circumpolar Studies
One of only a few programs of its kind in the world, the Circumpolar Studies option offers you a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the lands, peoples, and critical issues of the Arctic. The Circumpolar Studies Option is open to all undergraduate students at Trent.
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Languages
As the world becomes increasingly connected, knowing how to communicate in multiple languages can be a valuable asset, opening professional opportunities across the globe. Through this option, students can select a series of engaging courses within a wide variety of languages. Chinese, French, German, Spanish – at Trent you can study them all.
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Linguistics
Embrace your love for communication. This option enables students to focus on courses designed specifically to complement your studies in a language or languages. Following an introductory course in linguistics, students may choose from a variety of courses across a number of departments, including French & Francophone Studies, English Literature, Anthropology, and Ancient Greek & Roman Studies. You can tailor this option to your specific interests in language and linguistics.
Career experience while you learn
Every French & Canadian Studies student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work in areas such as government agencies, global businesses, and translation services.
Research Opportunities
- Conduct community-based research with the Trent Community Research Centre and local organizations such as museums, cultural organizations and community partners. A recent student developed plans for a professionally curated museum exhibit for the Stanstead Museum in Quebec.
- Engage in research and coursework focused on Francophone literatures of North America, French-language Indigenous literature in Canada, Franco-Ontarian literature and French-Canadian current affairs.
Field Schools and Hands-On Courses
- Develop applied French-language skills through French-language events, public readings and student-run conferences.
Study Abroad
- Spend a semester in Nantes, France, immersing yourself in French language, history and culture, or spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship. With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Internships
- Gain professional experience through paid internship opportunities in government, arts and culture, community engagement, hospitality and tourism, and international development.
- Students also have access to opportunities through the Ontario Internship Program, Young Canada Works in English and French, Odyssey Language Assistant Program, and Career Edge.
Career Paths
- Cultural Affairs Coordinator
- Interpreter
- Linguist
- Diplomat
- Policy Analyst
In Their Own Words
In our French Studies programs, students learn how language shapes how we see the world.
Dr. Sylvie Bérard
Chair of the French & Francophone Studies
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- Bews Scholarship
- John Gilchrist Memorial Scholarship
- Margaret Laurence Scholarship
- Consul General’s Prizes in French
- Symons Essay Prizes in Canadian Studies
- John Wadland Award
- John Wadland Undergraduate Award for Canadian & International Students